Canada invests $1.75 million to support area businesses

Tashi Farmilo

In a strategic effort to spur economic growth and innovation in Outaouais, the Canadian government is injecting close to $2 million into four local businesses in Gatineau. The funding, delivered through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), is aimed at expanding production, fostering innovation, and bolstering the local economy.

This initiative underscores the government's ongoing commitment to regional economic development, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are seen as crucial engines of local growth. The announcement was made by Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau and Minister of Labour and Seniors, alongside Stéphane Lauzon, MP for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, representing Minister of Tourism Soraya Martinez Ferrada.

The financial support, which amounts to $1.75 million in repayable contributions, targets four distinct businesses that have become pillars in their respective sectors.

La Trappe à Fromage de l'Outaouais, a well-established local producer known for its artisanal cheeses, will receive $750,000 to expand its production facility. This expansion is not only expected to boost output but also to meet increasing demand for its products across the region, cementing its reputation as a local culinary staple.

Precision Portes et Moulures, a manufacturer of doors and mouldings, has been awarded $600,000 to construct a new factory and acquire cutting-edge production equipment. The investment is poised to enhance the company’s production capabilities and competitiveness, enabling it to better serve both the local market and beyond.

On the agritourism front, Courges & cie, a popular farm offering a range of activities for visitors, will use its $250,000 in funding to diversify its tourist attractions. Central to this expansion is the development of a market gardening economuseum, which will provide an educational experience for visitors and further integrate the farm into the region's burgeoning tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Flirt Drinks, a local beverage producer, is set to receive $150,000 to acquire specialized equipment to scale up production. The company, known for its innovative drink offerings, has experienced growing demand, and this investment will allow it to increase output while continuing to deliver high-quality products.

MacKinnon highlighted the importance of such investments in fostering a collaborative ecosystem where local businesses, government, and the community work in tandem to drive economic development. "By investing in local businesses like La Trappe à Fromage and Precision Portes et Moulures, we are reinforcing Gatineau’s position as a vibrant economic hub," said MacKinnon. "These businesses are not only contributing to the economic strength of our region but also enhancing the quality of life for residents."

Lauzon echoed these sentiments, stressing the critical role that SMEs play in the fabric of local communities. "SMEs are at the heart of our economy," he said. "By supporting local businesses, we are helping them grow, innovate, and continue to offer products and services that benefit everyone."

Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who leads CED as part of her role as Minister of Tourism, emphasized the broader goal of preparing Canada’s regions for the economy of tomorrow. "Our mission is to support businesses and regions in seizing the opportunities of the future," she said. "By investing in Quebec’s diverse regional assets, we are ensuring that local economies thrive and remain resilient."